Wolf Hunting Habits

Hunting seasons for wolves depends on the state, region or country they're in -- wolf hunting sea­son in Canada, for instance, might be from April to September of one year, while the season the state of Montana planned in 2008 (before wolves were placed back on the list of protected species) only ran from October to December. This has to do mostly with the health of the wolf population: Canada has the world's largest wolf population at around 50,000 wolves [source: Defenders of Wildlife]. In contrast, Montana only has about 450 [source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks].

Since wolves' habitats are typically in northern climates, wolf hunters often hunt in the cold. Hunters' clothing reflects that environment, and they usually wear cold weather camouflage that is mostly waterproof, several layers (including long underwear), gloves and mittens, special hunting boots and thermal facemasks.

Of course, most hunters will choose to bring along a gun and ammunition to hunt wolves. Hunting rifles are the typical choice, but bowhunting is also, despite any old-school connotations, a popular alternative. In fact, officials in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, even proposed bow hunting as a way to keep wolf populations in check [source: Chan]. Hunters must be properly trained and carry the right kinds of licenses to act as a guide or participate in a hunt.

­When it comes down to it, it's not the gun or the bow but rather the hunter's approach that really matters. Hunters can use what are called blinds, one of the most popular ways of staking out a spot in the open. Blinds are simply small tents -- similar to the kind you take on camping trips -- that are camouflaged to match the surroundings. The purpose is to trick the wolf and conceal the hunter safely. If a hunter is hunting in the woods, for instance, his blind would be camouflaged using the browns and greens that you would see in that particular area. Out in the snow, on the other hand, his blind would be mostly white and resemble a big pile of snow. Hunters simply stand inside a blind and shoot through small holes in the walls of the tent. Blinds can be either on the ground or elevated in the trees.

Aerial Wolf Hunting

The Airborne Hunting Act, which was approved in 1971, makes it illegal to shoot or harass any animal, whether it's a bird, fish or wolf, from an aircraft such as a helicopter -- but there is one exception. Aerial hunting is allowed when the protection of wildlife, livestock or human life is at stake. The state of Alaska is known for taking advantage of this loophole, although recent footage of aerial wolf hunting in Alaska has led to many animal rights activists to speak out against it [source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service].

Knife hunting is not for the faint of heart. It requires the hunter to get close and personal with the prey, which is thrilling but also can be extremely dangerous. One of the toughest prey is the wild boar. Boar are hunted using knives in America, Australia and some parts of Asia. Take this quiz to learn more about the thrills and dangers of knife hunting.